VIA Rail has decided to reverse its initial plan to discontinue services at the Guildwood station in Scarborough. The decision was announced on VIA Rail’s website, stating that the service will continue as per the winter schedule beyond Oct. 25. VIA Rail emphasized the importance of maintaining reliable rail transportation that connects communities, including Scarborough. The company stated that they will engage with community leaders to gather feedback and discuss the future plans. The reversal came after Scarborough MPs criticized VIA’s lack of transparency in the decision-making process, calling for the restoration of Guildwood services.
The Scarborough MPs voiced concerns about the impact on passengers who heavily rely on the station for their travels. They demanded transparency and accountability from VIA Rail regarding the decision to remove Guildwood station from the network. The MPs requested a meeting with VIA Rail’s interim president and CEO to address the issue.
Earlier, VIA Rail had justified the decision based on improved travel times but faced backlash from Scarborough residents who felt the change would inconvenience them. Councillor Paul Ainslie expressed dissatisfaction with the new travel arrangements, highlighting the challenges faced by Scarborough residents in accessing alternative stations. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow commended Scarborough residents for their advocacy against VIA Rail’s proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and standing up for local needs.
